Title: The Tug and Pull of a Soul
Disclaimer: Me no own, You no sue.
Warning: None
Notes: Features Immortal!Merlin and reincarnation.
The first time you see the tall, scrawny kid, he's looking at you with tears in his eyes. But, before you could ask what was wrong, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowds.
You and Sam had shared a look and you very pointedly ignored that flash of familiarity that surged through you.
The second time you see him, it's at a Starbucks; and he's just grabbing his drink when he sees you and freezes.
"Hi," you say. "I'm sorry, but do I know you?"
The kid is just staring at you with his ridiculously large blue eyes. You feel as if you're starting to fall into them; you see surprise and sadness, and something else – something ancient.
"I have to go," he says suddenly as he all runs out.
"What was that?" Sam asks.
You just shake your head and stare at the man's back.
The third time to see the young man, Hetty is handing him a cup of steaming tea.
"Come in," she waves you in and motions for you to sit next to the lanky kid. "Callen, this is an old friend of mine."
"Old?" you laugh as you look at the boy sitting next to you. "If twelve is old."
Hetty and the stranger laugh heartily at that.
"I'm much older than that," he says and you pick up on traces of a British accent. "Older than any number of the people in this building put together."
You look between the two of them, waiting for the punch line.
"My name is Merlin, by the way," he says as he sets the tea on Hetty's desk and holds out a hand.
"Like the wizard?" you chuckle as you shake his hand.
The man visibly shudders.
"Don't use that word," Hetty reprimands.
You look at Hetty. You look at Merlin. They were both completely serious.
"I'm here because Hetty tells me that you don't know who you are," Merlin leans back in his chair as he again picks up the tea.
"And I'm guessing you do?" you ask, sarcasm heavy in your voice.
"Yes," Merlin says. "I've actually been looking for you for some time."
"You've seen me twice in the past week," you say.
"I was overwhelmed," he's smiling at you again and you're finding it increasingly difficult to stay upset. "I am every time I see one of you."
At your blank look he continues.
"You, Arthur, Lancelot," a wistful smile crosses over his features, "Percival, Elyan, Leon. I've even managed to find Gaius and Guinevere, but they don't pull to me quite like the others. Especially you and Arthur."
"What are you talking about?" you finally stand and begin to pace. "Do you know my name or don't you?"
"Gwaine," he says, "your name is always Gwaine."
You say the name, tasting it on your tongue. That when Sam walks, whatever he was about to ask dies on his lips.
"My name is Gwaine," you tell him.
Sam just stares before what you said finally registers and then he's laughing and hugging you and saying the name with you over and over. By the time you remember to thank Merlin, he's already gone.
Hetty says that she'll pass it on the next time she sees him.
You never did find out how Hetty knew Merlin or why she always smiled when she said his name.
"Thank you, son," Hetty smiles and pats Merlin's cheek.
Merlin just smiles back and pulls her in for a long hug, not bothering to tell her that he's older than her now.
"Of course, ma," the warlock pulls away and kisses her forehead. "I'll be back in a month or so, Arthur gets cranky when I'm gone too long."
"Of course he does," Hetty shakes her head and hands Merlin his packed bags. She sees him to the security gate and waves farewell to her once-upon-a-time son.
End.